Mid-wheel drive – These “center drive” chairs have a total of six wheels-two large drive wheels toward the center of the seat with two smaller wheels at the front and two smaller wheels at the back.They’re also less sensitive to oversteering and are the best power wheelchair for outdoor use, especially on rough terrain. Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs have good stability and maneuverability, even at high speeds. Rear-wheel drive – These wheelchairs are similar to front-wheel drive wheelchairs, but the wheel construction is opposite, with two large drive wheels toward the back of the seat and two smaller casters at the front.These also have the smallest turning radius compared with other drive systems and can fishtail when turning at high speeds. These chairs have the power to go over bumps and curbs up to 2 inches high. Front-wheel drive – These wheelchairs are made with two large drive wheels toward the front of the seat with two smaller casters at the rear for stability and maneuverability.There are three types of wheelchair drive systems: Power-driven wheelchairs-also called electric-powered wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, or powerchairs-are propelled by electric means based on a power source (typically motors and batteries).

Instead of two large wheels, these transporters have four smaller wheels that make self-propulsion impossible and thus are intended to be pushed by a caregiver and not the user. Transporters combine the function of a wheelchair with the maneuverability of a rollator or walker. Ultra-lightweight wheelchairs are great for people who spend an extended amount of time in a wheelchair.Ī transporter chair is another mobility chair that is sometimes lumped into the wheelchair category. Ultra-lightweight wheelchairs – These are the lightest type of wheelchairs, weighing in at just under 30 pounds.They’re ideal for people who are active and like to go out often. High-strength lightweight wheelchairs – These chairs are more durable than the standard or lightweight wheelchairs, but still weigh less than a standard wheelchair (about 30-34 pounds).Some versions of lightweight wheelchairs include: Most offer more customization options, such as an adjustable back, footrests, and armrests, and added cushioning for comfort. Lightweight wheelchairs – As the name suggests, these wheelchairs are lighter than standard wheelchairs, weighing less than 36 pounds. Standard wheelchairs are usually made with less-expensive materials, can be uncomfortable to sit in, and thus are not preferred for long-term or frequent use. Weighing in at more than 36 pounds, these wheelchairs are more challenging to transport and propel than lighter models. Standard wheelchairs – These are the least expensive type of wheelchair, but that discount comes with a trade-off. Most manual wheelchairs come in a standard or lightweight version. They also have handles on the back so that another person can push the wheelchairs. Types Of Manual WheelchairsĪ manual wheelchair is propelled by the chair’s occupant, usually by pushing on the bars that surround each of the larger wheels of the wheelchair to cause the chair to roll forward.

Wheelchairs are categorized by their manner of propulsion-manual or power-driven. Lightweight and foldable equipped with safety featuresĢ5.5” turning radius 13.20-mile drive range

Medline Lightweight And User-Friendly WheelchairĬustom options anti-tipper option seat width options, arm style optionsĮlevating leg rests removeable, flip-back desk arms.

The Aging In Place experts spent numerous hours researching and testing some of the top wheelchairs on the market. However, other features must also be taken into consideration, such as the chair’s weight, foldability, maneuverability and comfort.

People with less disability, who are more active, or those with a temporary injury may prefer manual wheelchairs, while those with very limited abilities, or who require extra assistance, may benefit from an electric wheelchair. One of the first questions to ask when shopping for a wheelchair is whether you need a manual or a power one. After all, there are dozens of varieties to choose from, and features abound.

The truth of the matter is that shopping for the best wheelchair for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. Wheelchairs-whether powered or manual-provide nearly 2.7 million people with the freedom to get around who would otherwise be unable or have difficulty doing so. Independence in mobility is one of the most important measures of quality of life for people with disabilities.

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